The holidays, are without a doubt, one of the most expensive and stressful times of the year. With the increase in new technology, and pressure to find the “perfect” gift, the idea of making homemade gifts is diminishing. The true definition of the holidays is being overshadowed by the concept of elaborate gifts that cost the most. It is not to say that buying a person an expensive, elaborate gift is wrong to do, but we as a society overlook the idea of simplicity and personalization when it comes to getting presents for others. Sometimes, homemade is better than something sold in a store.

While you may think buying the materials to make the “perfect” homemade holiday gift could end up being more expensive than the amazing new trinkets on the market, a gift as simple as; a container of “Reindeer Food,” a mix of cereals, pretzels, and candy, covered in chocolate and powdered sugar, a photo album of your family or friends, sugar scrubs for baths, hot chocolate kits, or even crafty art supply holders, are less expensive and more sentimental to the person receiving the gift.

Most of these gifts require materials already found in your cabinets, and closets. The wonderful thing about giving a baked good, or any other food item as a gift, is that there is no limit to what you can make. Something as simple as a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies could simply brighten the holidays for someone just a bit more.

You also don’t have to go far when creating personalized gifts like photo albums. Whether they be pictures printed out from the era of the Kodak machine, or the photo album titled “Family Pictures” on your phone, finding pictures that capture memories have greater meaning more than any other gift out there. For the more creative people in your life, simply creating a little sketch book made out of printer paper, an old movie case and some markers could be better than any other art supply kit.

Many of these simple gifts can be packaged into glass jars or cellophane baggies, taking less time to wrap each gift nicely, while also being cost effective. Buying one tube of gift wrap and a bag of bows is more expensive than a 16 pack of 12 ounce Mason jars and a large spool of ribbon. Wrapping gifts also takes away from the creativity in making a gift personalized. There is more meaning to a gift that has been carefully packaged in a glass jar, with a neatly tied bow around it than a brown box covered with taped on paper, so thin it rips before even opening it.

In a materialistic society, like the one in today’s world, the holidays have become disconnected with what they originally began as: a way to bring people together, and express gratitude. Instead, the holidays have turned into a “this is what I want, you buy it for me” concept, and there really isn’t any satisfaction in doing that. The truly amazing thing about presents is that they are something that reminds you of an important person, and you buy or create it because you know the happiness it will bring.

Making your own presents is more fun than standing in a line at 3 am on Black Friday, or having the item be out of stock on Amazon two days before Christmas. Also, making presents with friends, and family is a wonderful way to make special holiday memories together. While iPhones crack, and current-trendy games die down, memories last forever.